Evaluating the anatomical traits of lip on three-dimensional computed tomography images

Abstract

Background:Lips and mouth are the most recognizable parts of the lower face. The morphometry of the facial organs is important for the balance of the face. Besides congenital anomalies occur on the lips, some kinds of deformities might be seen because of trauma or carcinoma. In this respect, lips are in the study of plastic surgery, maxillofacial surgery and orthodontics. Lip morphology also takes an important role in forensic facial reconstruction (facial approximation).Materials and Methods:Twenty parameters on the soft tissue and 12 parameters on the hard tissue were measured on three dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) images belonging 50 individuals (25 female, mean age 35.409.97; 25 male, mean age 34.3211.06).Results:Statistical significance was observed on 4 parameters measured at soft tissue and 6 parameters measured in hard tissue. Statistical significance was not seen between the measurements taken bilaterally. Fourteen equations were developed in order to estimate the lip morphometry using the morphometric traits of hard tissue.Conclusion:We hope that the results of current study will be useful at surgery and forensic sciences.